⚰️ Essential Korean Funeral Vocabulary & Expressions for Cultural Understanding

Learn Key Words, Polite Expressions, and Cultural Insights for Attending or Talking About Funerals in Korea (장례식)

While it’s a somber topic, understanding funeral-related Korean vocabulary (장례 어휘) is essential for cultural literacy, respectful communication, and handling sensitive moments with empathy in Korea.


🪦 Must-Know Korean Funeral Vocabulary

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
장례jang-ryeFuneral (general)
장례식jang-rye-sikFuneral ceremony
빈소bin-soFuneral hall / mortuary
상가sang-gaFuneral home
상주sang-juChief mourner (family member)
조문jo-munCondolence visit
조문객jo-mun-gaekGuest attending funeral
영정사진yeong-jeong-sa-jinPortrait of the deceased
고인go-inThe deceased
유족yu-jokBereaved family
부의금bu-ui-geumCondolence money
헌화heon-hwaFlower offering
hyangIncense
제사je-saMemorial ritual
묘지myo-jiGrave site
화장hwa-jangCremation
매장mae-jangBurial

🤍 Polite Korean Phrases & Expressions for Funerals

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.sam-ga go-in-ui myeong-bo-geul bim-ni-daI sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased.
유족분들께 깊은 위로를 전합니다.yu-jok-bun-deul-kke gi-peun wi-ro-reul jeon-ham-ni-daMy deepest condolences to the family.
안타까운 소식 들었습니다.an-ta-kka-un so-sik deu-reot-seum-ni-daI heard the sad news.
힘내세요.him-nae-se-yoPlease stay strong.
조문 왔습니다.jo-mun wat-seum-ni-daI came to pay my respects.
고인의 명복을 빕니다.go-in-ui myeong-bok-eul bim-ni-daMay the deceased rest in peace.
어떤 도움이 필요하세요?eo-tteon do-u-mi pil-yo-ha-se-yo?Do you need any help?
무슨 말로 위로를 드려야 할지 모르겠습니다.mu-seun mal-lo wi-ro-reul deu-ryeo-ya hal-ji mo-reu-get-seum-ni-daI don’t know what to say to comfort you.

🧭 Things to Know: Attending a Korean Funeral

🧥 Dress Code & Appearance

  • Wear black, gray, or navy formal clothing.
  • Avoid bright colors. A black tie or white shirt is recommended.
  • If female: wear modest, dark clothing with minimal accessories.

💸 부의금 (Condolence Money)

  • Cash is usually placed in a white envelope with your name.
  • Given to the family when entering the 빈소 (funeral hall).
  • Common amounts: ₩30,000–₩100,000 depending on relationship.

🙏 Visiting the 빈소

  • Bow in front of the 영정사진 (portrait) and offer incense or flowers.
  • Sign the guest book.
  • Offer a short bow to the 상주 (chief mourner) and say a condolence phrase.

🍲 After the Visit

  • Guests are often offered a meal (such as 장례 국밥 – funeral soup) in a communal space.
  • Declining the meal is okay if you must leave early, but staying briefly is seen as respectful.

🧠 Bonus Vocabulary Related to Funerals & Mourning

KoreanPronunciationEnglish
국화guk-hwaChrysanthemum (used in funerals)
사망sa-mangDeath / passing
유언yu-eonWill / last words
애도ae-doMourning
추모chu-moMemorial / remembrance
장의사jang-ui-saFuneral director
부고bu-goObituary
상복sang-bokMourning clothes
묵념하다muk-nyeom-ha-daTo observe a moment of silence
발인bal-inFuneral procession / departure ceremony

🕊️ Cultural Notes on Korean Funerals

  • Most funerals last for 3 days, with the third day being the 발인 (burial/cremation procession).
  • Confucian traditions and Buddhist customs are often blended.
  • Funerals are commonly held at hospital funeral halls (병원 장례식장).
  • Showing respect and presence is often more important than long conversations.
  • Avoid laughter or loud voices, even in the waiting room.

🎯 Vocabulary Quiz

  1. What is the Korean word for “condolence money”?
  2. How do you say “I pray for the repose of the deceased” in Korean?
  3. Translate: “I came to pay my respects.”

💬 Comment below if you’ve ever visited a Korean 장례식 or want help navigating funeral etiquette in Korean.


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